Thought for the Week - 19.12.24

Each week focuses on a different theme: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

We are now in week three of this cycle and so our thoughts turn towards joy, but reflecting on joy doesn’t mean all Christians everywhere will be happy all the time, or that we won’t face any problems.

Christian joy comes from a deep sense of faith, trusting that God is with us through all our struggles and that we are all welcomed into this family, whatever our background might be.

We might consider the humble shepherds out on the hills in complete darkness during that first Christmas. They were an ordinary, hard-working group, who never expected to be chosen by God.

When the angels appeared to tell them about baby Jesus, they were filled with joy and raced off to find Him.  They didn’t hesitate or wait until the time was right, they didn’t worry about wearing the right clothes or knowing exactly what to do. 

What does that mean for us today? Well, perhaps this week we could all take inspiration from the shepherds, who came to find Jesus as they were.

During Advent churches are bustling with events and services, as we work to share Hope, Peace, Joy and Love with our communities.

Whether you attend church regularly or hardly ever at all, Advent is the perfect season to accept the invitation to join in and see what it’s all about.